Deputy Dean

Job Title: Deputy Dean – Ravensbourne University franchised courses

Reports to: Senior Academic Faculty Leader

Location: London - Canary Wharf/London - Borough

Salary: £56k - £62k per annum

Hours: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm onsite)

Deputy Dean Job Description

Due to VCAD’s ongoing development and growth, we are now looking to recruit experienced higher education academic for the new position of VCAD Deputy Dean. They will work alongside VCAD’s senior academic managers to support the development and delivery of programmes across the institution.

These senior academic role within VCAD will include responsibility for the day-to-day academic management of Programme Leaders, alongside oversight of teaching delivery, academic quality, and student outcomes. The Deputy Dean will ensure that institutional expectations, quality standards, and student-focused practices are consistently implemented across all programmes.

Working closely with the senior academic managers, the Deputy Dean will translate strategic priorities into effective operational delivery, ensuring the successful management and performance of academic programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Operations and Programme Delivery

• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the courses within the department
• Ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency in teaching, learning, and assessment practices
• Support Programme Leaders in the effective running of their courses

Line Management and Staff Performance

• Ensure Programme Leaders are effectively leading their teams to deliver high quality education in line with VCAD and Partners’ expectations, policies and procedures
• Lead regular staff meetings focused on performance, development, and support, ensuring appropriate actions are identified and implemented where improvement is required

Academic Quality and Enhancement

• Lead on the monitoring and review of programme, unit, module and annual monitoring reports, ensuring actions are implemented and tracked
• Oversee moderation and standardisation processes to ensure academic integrity and consistency
• Support the development and delivery of student feedback action plans (e.g. Surveys, evaluations)
• Work with the senior academic managers and Programme Leaders to contribute to the efficient and timely management of assessment boards

Student Experience and Engagement

• Ensure a high-quality student experience across all programmes
• Act as a senior point of oversight for student issues in line with institutional policies
• In collaboration with the Programme Leaders and appropriate teams, monitor student engagement, retention, and progression, ensuring appropriate improvements are identified and implemented

Operational Management

• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the department’s academic activity
• Identify and take appropriate actions to resolve operational challenges effectively
• Support and lead the coordination of staffing, delivery, timetabling and resource use in collaboration with the senior academic managers and other appropriate Professional Services teams within VCAD

Staff Development and Academic Practice

• Support the development of the Programme Leaders through mentoring and guidance
• Contribute to staff development initiatives and CPD in collaboration with the senior academic managers and VCAD HR
• Promote high standards of teaching, learning, and creative pedagogical practice

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure programmes align with internal quality assurance processes and expectations
• Monitor compliance with the academic standards and policies of VCAD and our partners
• Support with partner-related requirements, programme and module / unit modifications and validation activity as required

Strategic Support

• Support with implementing and enhancing VCAD and faculty strategy
• Contribute to planning, curriculum development, and continuous improvement
• Deputise for senior academic managers where required, representing the VCAD academic faculties

Person Specification

• Leadership and management experience within a Higher Education Institution
• Proven experience in line management and staff performance management
• Strong understanding of academic quality assurance and enhancement processes
• Experience overseeing programme delivery and student outcomes
• Excellent organisational, leadership, and communication skills
• Ability to manage operational complexity and drive improvements

Desirable

• Experience working within partner-led or collaborative provision in Higher Education

Benefits

• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Policy.
• Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
• Career development opportunities
• Training and self-development opportunities.
• Gym membership discounts
• Retail discount schemes
• Cinema discounts
• Grocery discounts
• Cycle to work
• Investing and savings opportunities
• Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)